Music College?

Question

Hi, fellow musicians.

I apologize in advance, this is kind of going to be a few related questions.

I am a sophomore in high school, I play piano, and I want to major in music.(I don't know the exact major I want yet. Composition, maybe? My private teacher and many others tell me I am good at this.) My question is, to get a good job in music, would it be better if I went to a private music or arts college that is harder to get into, or would that be a waste of my money? Would it be just as good to go to a university, and get the same degree there? I was thinking since a college that specialized in music or the arts would be harder to get into, then I might be able to get a better job if I went to one of these.

I think that if I worked hard, I good get into a relatively good music college. I play the oboe too, and I have been told by professionals that I could go as far as I wanted to go with oboe. I am not saying this to be arrogant, I am saying it because I want an answer to my question, not a bunch of stats about how hard it is to have a career in music. I know it is hard and takes a lot of work.

Again, I don't know what exactly I want to major in, but I plan on figuring it out soon.

Also, if you think a music college is the best option, could you suggest some good ones? I'm not talking like Juilliard or anything, but something good. Anywhere in the U.S. would be fine.

I am well aware of the amount of work it will take to achieve my goal, and I'm prepared to work hard. Any other advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

-Clare

Answer 1

1 things to consider:

You want a great primary teacher that you connect with.  If you plan on focusing on oboe, then you will look for a great oboe teacher...etc.

For your undergraduate degree, you can basically go anywhere. Really, you'll want to go somewhere that gives you lots of opportunities, prepares you well for Grad. school, and challenges you.  I went to Drake University, and I'd highly recommend it.  (Des Moines, IA).  The faculty are outstanding, and the music school is completely focused on undergraduates.  www.drake.edu If you go somewhere larger, you may get lost in a sea of grad. students, and miss out on great opportunities (like performing with the orchestra, having your compositions performed,etc.)

To have a career in music these days, one really needs at least a Master's degree.  Find schools that have a good track record of successful students.

And yes, oboists are much sought-after.  Composers are plentiful, and frankly, if you really love composing, you could do that in addition to studying oboe.  That's just my opinion, though, as I don't know you.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I know Berklee, College of Music in Boston. I heard it was fine.  

Answer 3

You seem to be very focused in the music area, so a music college is the best for you. Berklee is a great choice, but its more of a jazz school. Some colleges I'm looking at is Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory (more classical versus jazz) and Oberlin College. Try those four for a start.

http://www.oberlin.edu/con/

http://www.newenglandconservatory.edu/

http://www.bostonconservatory.edu/

http://www.berklee.edu/

Answer 4

I guess it depends on what kind of music job you're looking for.  That's the first step.  Composition is a fine major, but you need to think of how you're going to feed yourself -- very few composers make a living JUST as composers these days (most teach also...and if you're going to be teaching composition at a college, you need at least two degrees...probably a doctorate if you want to actually keep the job).  And if you're in that situation, then it's your doctorate that people are going to care most about.  (You can get away with a bachelor's degree from a tiny school, and a doctorate from a big-name school easier than the other way around)

You should look at some big name schools (don't run away from Juilliard) and see who teaches composition there...listen to their music, and if it "clicks" with you, then consider applying.  The last thing you want is to end up studying composition with Eric Ewazen when you really want to write 12-tone music...

There are all the usual suspects -- Juilliard, Eastman, Curtis, Oberlin, NEC, etc.  Berklee in Boston is a jazz school...if you're interested in songwriting, check that out.  If movie scores are what you're into, then maybe UC Berkley, or another California school (I don't know who does this...but I'm sure Cali would be the place to look!).  But don't overlook your bigger state schools, too.  Indiana University has a top-notch music school.  Ohio State, Penn State, UT at Austin, North Texas, and a zillion others.

I would STRONGLY suggest checking out the University of Michigan for composition.  They have some amazing faculty members there, with very diverse musical styles.  Michael Daugherty, Evan Chambers, Bright Sheng, William Bolcom (Leslie Bassett used to be there, too).  

If composition is the way you want to go, make sure you're developing your portfolio now.  I can't really advise you on what kinds of pieces SPECIFICALLY should be in it, but hopefully your private teacher can help there.  But you'll need many samples of your compositions to apply to these schools.

If it's performance you want to do, then (IMHO) you'd be wasting your time going anywhere OTHER than one of the big conservatories.

Good luck!